By Michael Lindsay
The AP #1-ranked York Institute Dragons made a statement across Tennessee Friday evening as they went on the road and defeated defending Division II-A state champion Friendship Christian, 8-7.
“It was a good defensive battle,” said York Institute head coach Derwin Wright. “We went in at halftime and challenged them, and I think we grew tonight as a team.”
The 8-0 Dragons entered Friday’s game fresh off an emotional 14-7 victory over Class 4A Stone Memorial last week.
“I was worried about that,” said Wright. “Our guys had a big one against Stone last week. I kept telling them to not let this be a letdown; you’re perfect on the season. The game (FCS) means nothing in terms of region and playoffs, but you’ve got a perfect season going.”
Friendship Christian struck first as the Dragons turned it over inside their own 10-yard line, setting up a short Commander touchdown run to make the score 7-0 with 5:32 left in the second quarter, a score that stood until halftime.
The Dragons got on the scoreboard late in the third quarter as quarterback Myles Leffew punched in a 1-yard touchdown run with 1:26 left in the third period to make the score 7-6 FCS before the extra point.
York Institute sent their field goal unit out, but the Dragons had a trick up their sleeve as they ran a fake field goal pass from Lake Drake to tight end Bryson Bilbrey, who was uncovered in the left side of the end zone for a successful 2-point conversion try to give York an 8-7 lead.
“I knew it was going to be there,” Wright said. “We’re on the road in a 7-6 game, and it’s not when I thought I’d be calling that. We made the call and the kids executed it perfectly.”
York Institute’s go-ahead 2-point conversion had been in the works for days leading up to Friday’s game.
“I noticed on film on PATs they brought a lot of pressure from the right side, but the left side kind of just stepped up and seemed relaxed,” Wright said. “Lake and Bryson did a great job. Bryson blocked then released out and he was wide open. Having experienced guys helps.”
Friendship Christian had two chances to take the lead in the fourth quarter, but the Commanders missed a field goal with 7:27 remaining and Drake picked off a final pass attempt from Friendship Christian to seal the 8-7 victory.
York Institute improves to 8-0 overall with a trip to Region 2-2A foe Wartburg (2-6, 0-3) next week.
“We’ve had two physical football games in a row, but when you get to the playoffs you’re trying to play as many as you can in a row,” said Wright. “We’ve got to get back healthy and simplify some things.”
